African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems | 09 November 2011
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Peer-Led Diabetes Self-Management Education on Glycaemic Control in a Sudanese Clinical Setting: An Original Study from Khartoum North Teaching Hospital
A, b, d, o, u, l, a, y, e, D, i, a, l, l, o, ,, A, m, i, n, a, t, a, D, i, o, p, ,, M, a, m, a, d, o, u, N, d, i, a, y, e, ,, F, a, t, o, u, S, a, r, r
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health challenge in Sudan, where many patients experience suboptimal glycaemic control. Conventional healthcare provider-led education can be limited in reach and sustained engagement, prompting the need to investigate complementary approaches. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured peer-led diabetes self-management education (DSME) programme on glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes at a Sudanese teaching hospital. A quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted. Participants were allocated to an intervention group, which received a 12-week peer-led DSME programme, or a control group, which received standard care. The primary outcome was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from baseline to a six-month follow-up. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical tests. The peer-led DSME group showed a statistically significant greater improvement in glycaemic control than the control group. The mean reduction in HbA1c was 1.2% (13.1 mmol/mol) in the intervention group, compared to 0.3% (3.3 mmol/mol) in the control group. The peer-led DSME programme was an effective intervention for improving glycaemic control in this setting. It represents a promising and culturally acceptable adjunct to standard diabetes care. Healthcare policymakers and clinicians should consider integrating structured peer-led education into routine diabetes services. Further research should examine long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Peer group; Patient education; Glycaemic control; Sudan; Self-management This study provides original evidence on the implementation and outcomes of a peer-led DSME model in a Sudanese clinical context, contributing to the literature on alternative strategies for diabetes management in resource-limited settings.